Maritimo's charity continues

Maritimo says it is set to embark on a philanthropic and promotion program this year which could see up to $80,000 raised for key charities in three states.

Maritimo plans to expand on its efforts of last year where it provided adrenalin packed ultimate prize package weekends for auction at selected charity events.

The VIP weekend packages which included a white knuckle-ride in the Maritimo Racing’s World Championship Winning Offshore power boat (pictured) raised $36,000 for the Starlight Foundation as auction items at the Foundation’s annual black-tie dinner in Sydney.

Maritimo’s sales and marketing manager, Greg Haines, said the company was going to provide the weekend packages as auction items again this year at the Doctor Charlie Teo Cure For Life’s Mad Hatters Ball in Sydney in May, the Five Chefs Dinner in Brisbane in June, the Star Ball in Sydney in July, and the Star Ball in Melbourne in September.

"Last year these packages attracted individual bids of $18,000 at the Starlight Foundation’s ball and we believe as word spreads about what a fantastic weekend it was for the people involved the price achieved might actually increase significantly," he said.

"The weekend included flights, limousine airport transfers, five-star accommodation, meals, the race boat ride for one person, fully skippered and catered cruise aboard luxury Maritimo vessels, and an escorted tour of the Maritimo luxury cruiser manufacturing plant.

 "The people involved had an absolute ball and I think this will see the bidding really heat up at the various charity balls this year."

Mr Haines said the chance to have a ride in the Maritimo Offshore race boat, which can travel at speeds of up to 175mph (152 knots), is a once in a lifetime experience and one that is rarely available to anyone except the crews.

Mr Haines said Maritimo’s founder Bill Barry-Cotter had instigated the philanthropic program and viewed it as a way for the company to give something back to the community.

"Bill has had a long and successful career and both he and his wife Lesley are active in the community," he said. "This is a way that Maritimo can assist in significant funds being raised for very worthwhile causes and at the same time give people a one in a lifetime experience."